In addition to this, there are plans to redevelop some of the existing spaces to provide additional teaching space for the nursery school.

Approved expenses

Last week, the County Council’s Senior Executive Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Roz Chadd, approved grants for the project, which will cost a total of £ 537,000. The decision-day public meeting, Nov. 10, learned that it was a “must-have” project and would also free up space for the school to use.

A report from the council states: “The proposals aim to fill the gaps in existing housing and provide additional and improved teaching space for the school as well as new tailor-made housing for the existing crèche. ”

A development request was filed in September and a decision is expected next month.

What’s on offer

The new purpose-built crèche will replace the existing 26-place crèche on the school site and will be a stand-alone building.

It will include a new outdoor play area, a changing room for the students and a kitchen.

Vehicle entry to the school will remain unchanged, but it is proposed that a new opening be formed in the eastern boundary of the school to provide a secure and dedicated pedestrian entrance to the crèche.

The project is included in the Children’s Services Capital Program, approved in January 2020 with a budget of £ 487,000. The cost has since increased “due to the scope of work proposed”, resulting in increased funding. This, according to the council, will be funded by increased funding.

The aim is to start construction work in spring 2022, with the new building due for completion in fall 2022.

Project support

The Poulner Infant School daycare proposal was also supported by Ringwood County Councilor Michael Thierry, who said it was “very good news,” adding: “It shows the investment that the County Council has made. is ready to devote to local education “.

Poulner Infant School Principal Jo Conner said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to have a purpose built preschool building and to be involved in the design phase. It is such a luxury to be able to shape the building around our vision of an exceptional preschool offer.

“It is so important for us and the community to be able to maintain an exceptional offer for early childhood in the region. The free-standing building on the school site will expand opportunities for the whole community, including integrated care for families.

“We are fortunate, as a school site, to have a lot of outdoor space, the building will be located sympathetically to the main school building on the grounds and the children will also benefit from a landscaped outdoor space. ”

Get more information from the Forest Journal and nominate your local heroes for the South Wiltshire Hero Awards.

You can also like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date.

Send an email to newsdesk@salisburyjournal.co.uk with your comments, photos, letters and reports.